Piper PA28 N8172N accident near Porterville, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that she initiated the landing flare and that the airplane floated about 100 ft and landed normally. About 400 ft into the landing roll, the airplane veered right, exited the right side of the runway, and collided with taxiway lights before coming to rest.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage intermediate bulkhead.

The pilot reported that, during landing, the windsock indicated "no wind." However, after the accident, she and her passenger saw dust devils close to the runway.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's METAR reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 6 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 30.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA579 for the full record.